This Morning host Dermot O'Leary has assured viewers and denied rumours of toxicity by saying everyone involved with the show is happy to be working there. He was speaking on the first episode since former long-time host Phillip Schofield quit This Morning after rumours of a feud with co-host Holly Willoughby, before revealing that he had lied about an affair with a younger cast member, and quitting ITV entirely.
On Monday, May 29, Dermot and Alison Hammond addressed the situation within the first 10 minutes of the show, as reported by Wales Online. When introducing Giles Brandreth and Sonia Sodha for the news section Dermot said that the cast and crew "love making the show" - likely in response to reports of 'toxic culture' which former resident doctor on the show Ranj Singh claimed caused his exit.
Dermot said: "We all know we have to be in the news at the moment and of course, we appreciate that but just from both us and the whole team here, the crew and the guys downstairs, we love making this show for all of you."
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Alison added: "Yeah, we really do and that is exactly what we are going to do, we are going to continue to do that." Giles also said "We are very happy to be here" and said This Morning was a "happy place to work" and he had enjoyed coming to work since he started at This Morning.
Phillip has also posted a statement to his Instagram story, stating This Morning is not "toxic" and claiming people have a "grudge" against him or the show. He said: "Now I no longer work on @thismorning I am free to say this. I hope you have noticed that it's the same handful of people with a grudge against me or the show who seem to have the loudest voice."
"This morning IS the best show to work on, with the best people. In all the years I worked there there was no toxicity. You can listen to those persistently loud voices if you like. But the thousands of guests over the years, thousands of staff and crew, hundreds of presenters and contributors all know, it IS a family of wonderful, talented, kind, hard working people."
ITV has confirmed it carried out an investigation into rumours that Phillip Schofield had engaged in a relationship with an ITV employee, but that both parties repeatedly denied it. Holly Willoughby has stated that Mr Schofield denied any affair to her.
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